Chiang Rai Travel Guide V3
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide Why You Need to Visit Chiang Rai Contents Most people say there aren't many things to do in Chiang Rai. They're Why You Need to Visit Chiang Rai ................................. 2 wrong, and I'm going to show you why. Contents .......................................................................... 2 All other Chiang Rai travel guides cover attractions near the town such as; White Temple, Black House, the Clock Tower. Sure, these are interesting, Where is Chiang Rai? ..................................................... 3 and you should visit them, but there is so much more to be discovered. The reality is that most travellers don't go beyond the town, and really miss How to Get to Chiang Rai ............................................... 4 out loads of amazing things to do in Chiang Rai. Maps of Chiang Rai ......................................................... 5 Chiang Rai has a very diverse culture. There are the people of Northern Thailand which speak their own dialect of Thai called Lanna. Then there Attractions in Town ......................................................... 8 are the countless ethnic villagers such as Lahu, Karen, and Hmong which have lived in the mountains around the borders of Cambodia, Laos, China Temples ......................................................................... 11 and Thailand for centuries. They maintain age old traditions not seen elsewhere in Thailand. Waterfalls ....................................................................... 13 The nature in Chiang Rai is stunning. While living there I discovered beautiful waterfalls, amazing mountain hikes, relaxing hot springs, and Art Galleries ................................................................... 15 even a beach! I explored by longtail boat down and upriver, motorbiked off- beat trails in the national park, and cruised about town in a Tuk-Tuk after Mountains ...................................................................... 16 one too many beers. Hot Springs .................................................................... 18 Chiang Rai is no doubt an incredible place. Now I want to share my experience with you. Towns ............................................................................. 20 Hotels in Chiang Rai ..................................................... 22 The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide Where is Chiang Rai? CHIANG RAI Chiang Rai is in the far north of Thailand. It is the most northern province in Thailand, about 2 hours north of Chiang Mai by road (car, bus, motorbike). That's right, there is more than one Chiang in the north of Thailand, and you’re about to learn of more soon! Chiang Rai borders the provinces of Chiang Mai, Lampang, and Phayao from southwest to southeast. You might never have heard of these and I suggest visiting them too if you have time. Chiang Rai shares international borders with Laos and Myanmar. All three countries meet at the point known as The Golden Triangle. Travel just another 130km north of Chiang Rai and you will reach Yunnan in China. Now you can imagine how diverse the culture in Chiang Rai is! You should also know that “Chiang Rai” refers to the province in Thailand. “Mueang Chiang Rai” refers to the town itself within he province. Mueang Chiang Rai is the largest town in the province, however there a quite a few other interesting towns like Mae Sai, Chiang Kong and Chiang Sean which we’ll see later in the guide. Mueang Chiang Rai is then broken down in though you will probably never use this information unless you are a geologist or something. The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide How to Get to Chiang Rai Bus – Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai The best way to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is the Green Bus. It is the quickest, most comfortable, and most frequent public transport option. Tickets start from 129 THB (USD 3) per person. A one-way journey takes about 3hrs. There are multiple buses departing each day. This is the latest timetable from the GreenBus. Pre-book tickets on 12GO Asia to ensure you don’t miss a seat. Note that Chiang Rai has two bus terminals; Terminal 1 in the centre for local buses, and Terminal 2 6km away for intercity buses. A local bus connects the two terminals for 15 THB. Slow Boat – Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang The slow boat from Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai is a popular route for travellers heading from Thailand to Laos or vice versa. The slow boat departs from Huay Xai, a small border town 65km away. You will need to get a minivan from Chiang Rai’s Bus Terminal 2 which takes about 1hr 30min. Trains – None Despite what others may tell you, there is no train to Chiang Rai. You can, however, take a train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai (tickets and timetables). After the 14-hour train, you then take the Green Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide Flights – Domestic Routes Chiang Rai has a domestic terminal with daily flights from major airports including Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Popular budget airlines include: • AirAsia Thailand ($) • Nok Air ($$) • Thai Smile ($$$) • Bangkok Airways ($$$) Bangkok to Chiang Rai – there are 6 daily flights with AirAsia, and another 5 daily flights with Not Air. The flight duration is 1hr 30 min direct. Flights typically cost less than USD 100 per person, one way, but are generally more expensive on public holidays and long weekends. Hat Yai to Chiang Rai – there is 1 daily flight with AirAsia, and another 5 daily flights with Nok Air. The flight is just over 2hrs direct and typically costs about USD 140. It saves many hours of travel compared to the bus and train options. Maps of Chiang Rai On the next few pages I have included maps of Chiang Rai town and the province with loads of destinations pinned for your trip planning. If you have an internet connection while traveling I highly suggest checking out my interactive map of Chiang Rai. The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide Attractions in Town Temples, markets, monuments, and coffee shops are all within walking distance of town centre (i.e. the Clocktower). The following destinations are perfect for anyone making a quick stop in Chiang Rai, or for just wandering around town on a lazy day. Wat Klang Wiang Wat Klang Waing dates way back to the 15th century. Apart from the White Temple, this is one of the most oranate temples in Chiang Rai. It also marks the exact centre of town where you will find the city piller. Opening hours: 6am to 5pm Get there: a 7 minute walk from the Clocktower along Rattanakhet Road Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai Clocktower Wat Phra Kaew (temple of the Emerald Buddha) is one of the oldest The Chiang Rai clock tower is a popular monument and artwork to visit temples in all of Chiang Rai, dating way back to the 14th Century. This is right in the centre of town. It is probably the most intricately designed the location where the Emerald Buddha statue was discovered which is round-a-bout in the world. The Chiang Rai clocktower was designed by the now housed in Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaew (The Grand Palace). same artist who built the famous White Temple. Opening hours: 7am to 6pm If you want to see the clock tower in all its glory, be sure to visit for the light show which kicks off every night at 7, 8, and 9 o'clock - bang on the hour. Get there: a 10 minute walk from the Clocktower along Kraisorasit Road Don't' be late, you will miss it. Get there: centre of town, easy walking distance from almost everywhere. The Lost Passport’s Ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide Saturday Night Walking Street Kad Luang Market The Saturday Night Walking Street is like the Chiang Mai Walking Street. A The Kad Luang Market is not so much as tourist hotspot as it is a massive huge open-air market sprawls all over the road with loads of food, clothes, local market. You will find all sorts of goods here such as clothing, and other goods for sale. It is a fun place to hang out at night and an easy electronic appliances, fresh fruit and vegetables, street food vendors, and place to meet other travellers. oh so much more. Opening hours: 5pm to just after midnight The best way to explore the market is simply to walk in and aimlessly wander around the small, almost claustrophobic alleyways. The market Get there: a 5-minute walk from the Clocktower along Thanalai Road. seamlessly merges into the morning market to make one huge hive of activity. Sunday Night Walking Street The Sunday Night Walking Street (Happy Street) is located just behind Watch out for the vendors selling fried chicken and roti. You have to visit Chiang Rai hospital. It is quite similar to the Saturday Night Walking Street late at night after a few beers on Jet Yod Road, you won’t regret it. with lots of street stalls, food arts, and crafts. If you can't decide which of Opening hours: different parts of it are open all day (24hrs) walking street to visit, just do both! Get there: a 5-minute walk from the Clocktower Opening hours: 5pm to about 11pm Get there: less than a 10-minute walk from the Clocktower. King Mengrai Monument The King Mengrai Monument is Chiang Rai Night Bazaar dedicated to King Mengrai who The Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is a popular place to hang out at night for established the Lanna Kingdom of good food, cold beer, and live shows. Some nights there is live music, northern Thailand back in 1296. other nights there may be live theatre or Thai comedy shows. The stalls The ancient Lanna Kingdom around the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar offer a wide range of handmade included the region around Chiang goods from the surrounding ethnic villages.